James David "Deacon" Jones, a sensitive tortured genius, knows his life is less than perfect. His was always a journey of hope defeated by disappointment, good intentions overcome by darkness, and friendship ruined by mistrust. Finally, at twenty-eight years of age, he thinks he has found happiness, but then the horror begins. Estrella "Star" del Rio is an intelligent, self-centered prostitute with three distinct personalities who cares for no one except herself. Since she was old enough to remember, she has only been able to think of one thing, revenge against those that she blames for her plight. As part of her plan for revenge, Star masterfully inserts herself into Deacon's life and for six months uses her hatred to turn his world upside down and rock the streets of St. Louis. Deacon believes she is his lover. Star knows she is his enemy. Together they uncover things about their pasts that separately they never suspected. In the end, Star reveals a devastating family secret that will change Deacon's life forever. Star sees Deacon as weak, but she is wrong. Only he possesses the power to beat her at her own hellish plan...